Prestigious national crown for Balla

THE champagne corks are popping in Balla tonight.

It followed the news earlier from Cork City Hall that the central Mayo town had won a prestigious Pride of Place national award.

Balla emerged triumphant in the 300 to 1,000 inhabitants category.

The announcement represented a fitting reward for the community's pioneering and enterprising work in developing the town and its environs over many years.